Brady's father, Tom Brady Sr., told ESPNBoston.com on Tuesday that, "Without Tom Martinez, there never would have been a Tom Brady with the New England Patriots."

Martinez was known as one of the most successful coaches in California community college history at College of San Mateo. Complications from diabetes led to serious health issues late in Martinez's life and he had been in need of a kidney transplant.

Last June, Brady told SI.com's Peter King that Martinez's influence over his career was "at the top of the list. Second to none."

Said Brady: "There is no one who knows more about throwing the football than (Martinez). And no one has meant more to me when it comes to throwing the football than Tom."

Brady's teammate, Julian Edelman, a native of Redwood City, Calif., offered his condolences over Twitter. "RIP coach Tom Martinez. He was such a great mentor to many in the bay area. His legacy will always live on."

The Patriots also remarked on Martinez's death via Twitter: "Our sincere condolences go out to the Martinez family & all those he mentored throughout his incredible career."

Olivia Martinez also told the Daily News, "We were convinced the dialysis was slowly killing him. UCLA (Medical Center) just couldnât be bothered to take someone at such high risk."